taken not to overheat the chicks whilst they are in the incubator. In hot weather 

 it may be necessary to open the door an inch or so to provide additional ventilation. 

 Chicks should on uo account be allowed to pant. This is the primary cause of much, 

 mortality by lung-affections. 



TESTING. 



The germ will show signs of development within a few hours of its first exposure 

 to heat. It is not until about the fourth or fifth day that any marked difference 

 between fertile and unfertile eggs may be detected with the naked eye. The unfertile 

 eggs and those with dead germs are usually tested out twice during the hatch, on the 

 seventh and sixteenth days generally. The process of testing is simple, and after a 

 little experience is easily acquired. The appearance of the egg can be clearly seen 

 when placed between the light of the tester and the eye. 



When testing, care should be taken to see that the eggs are not held too close to 

 the tester. If this precaution is not taken, the heat generated by the testing-lamp 

 will kill the germ. Temperatures of 150 to ISO degrees have been obtained by 

 holding thermometers for a few seconds against the mouth of the tester. 



When testing, the egg should be lifted straight from the tray to the lamp with- 

 out turning or twisting, because by so doing the yolk is frequently ruptured. 



ARTIFICIAL BROODING. 



There are many different methods employed in the brooding of chicks. The 

 advantages and disadvantages of these methods will be pointed out. The main 

 things in artificial brooding is sufficient even temperature and cleanliness. Little 



Colony houses and hen-coops on free range. A cornfield makes Ideal range for 

 poultry, giving plenty of shade, and owing to continual cultivation needed during 

 the major portion of growth, provides chicks with an Incalculable quantity of animal 

 food. The corn acts as a splendid protection from hawks and crows. 



chicks three or four days old are fairly hardy creatures, but when placed under 

 extreme conditions weakness or death is sure to follow. The chick's lungs are 

 situated along the spinal column, and are protected only by a thin membraneous 

 lining over which a light covering of feathers grow. Provided with such meagre 

 protection, the lungs may become readily chilled or overheated. An even tempera- 

 ture, with as few variations as possible, is most desirable. The brooder should be 

 started up a day or two before the chicks are ready to be placed in it, so that an 

 even temperature of about 95 degrees may be maintained. This temperature should 



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